Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Merger topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves merger plan for Fairview and Mount Pleasant police departments with board appointment change
Summary
Mount Pleasant's council approved an interlocal merger with Fairview to create a jointly governed police entity, amending the agreement so the citizen board member will be appointed by the board rather than the police chief; council and the chief cited 24/7 coverage and grant eligibility as benefits.
The Mount Pleasant City Council voted to approve an interlocal agreement to merge the Fairview City Police Department and the Mount Pleasant City Police Department, adding a change that the citizen member of the new governing board will be appointed by the board rather than by the police chief.
Council members and staff said the merger is intended to provide continuous 24/7 officer coverage across both jurisdictions, improve grant competitiveness and consolidate some administrative costs. “The cost will stay the same. Mount Pleasant's cost will be the same,” the mayoral presiding officer said while outlining the governance and budget mechanics for the joint entity.
The council discussed governance structure, noting the board will include mayors and council members from both cities plus a citizen representative. A councilor urged that the citizen appointee be selected by the board rather than the police chief; the motion approved that change before the roll call.
Chief of Police (self-identified) addressed the council during public comment, saying it had been “an honor and privilege to do that” work and that, if selected to lead within the merged department, he would continue the department's traditions and recognition of past service.
Council members asked questions about budgeting, naming and vehicle markings under the new arrangement. Staff explained that each city would contribute to the new entity on a quarterly basis and that existing vehicles and uniforms would be updated over time. The council also discussed an exit clause allowing six months’ notice to dissolve the arrangement and return assets if cities choose to separate.
The council recorded the motion, second and a roll call vote with councilors present voting in favor; the motion passed. The merged department will operate as a separate interlocal entity under the board structure approved by the council.
The council did not set the final name for the combined police department at the meeting; staff said a name would likely be chosen within one to two weeks and that public notice would be provided when the change becomes effective.
